Archive for July, 2011

The announcement by Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton T.D. that the Government has reduced the fuel, phone, electricity and gas payments to Older People, Carers and those on long term Social Welfare is seen by many Older People as a breach of faith.

Just recently the Tánaiste promised there would be no reductions in Social Welfare and the Taoiseach promised there would be no Tax increases. At the stroke of a pen we have a Mini Budget which means there is €17million less for these vulnerable groups as we face into winter 2011. As of now they can look forward in 2012 to having €65million less.

Responding to the matter of under-usage in the Minister’s statement Mairead Hayes said “With fixed incomes already reduced and fear of further cuts, Older People tell us they us they are afraid to use their units and try to keep them for the really bad weather. When one remembers the last two winters we have experienced we can readily understand why this is.”

This latest announcement will only add to the fear and dread about where and when the next cut will come. We urge all Older People to make their views know to their Public representatives.

What is the ISCP?

The Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament is a representative organisation of Older People in Ireland.
The Parliament is a non-partisan political organisation working to promote the views of older people in policy development and decision-making.
The Parliament is run by older volunteers who are elected annually at the Annual Parliament Meeting by delegates from affiliated organisations. The ISCP currently has 400 affiliated organisations whose memberships combine to a total of 100,000 individuals.
This membership means the ISCP has a genuine mandate to be the Voice of Older People in Ireland.

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ISCP Objectives:

To be a strong voice representing older people and their needs at international, national and local level.
To promote inter-generational solidarity.
To work through the existing affiliated organisations to ensure better co-ordination of policies and activities whilst ensuring that the affiliated groups retain their own autonomy.
To work for improvement in the quality of life of Older People.
To develop solidarity with organisations working to improve the quality of life of Older People.
To represent Older People’s issues to Government.